WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

McKinney moved to the bullpen during his senior year with Ohio State, and his numbers improved significantly. He throws his fastball around 90 MPH, but can hit 94 out of the bullpen. McKinney was a senior and signed quickly.

2013A-: 1-0-10, 3.45 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 28.2 IP, 2.8 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

The Pirates used McKinney as the primary closer at Jamestown. He mostly did well, but had a little trouble with gopher balls, allowing five, which was more than one every six innings. According to Baseball America, his fastball topped out at 95-96.

McKinney opened the season in extended spring training, but the Pirates sent him to West Virginia in mid-April and he spent the season there, except for making his very last appearance for Bradenton. He had a strong season, although his walk rate increased a bit and he had a slight problem with HRs, allowing six. He gave up five in his first season, so that could be an issue. McKinney had a huge platoon split, holding right-handed batters to a puny .490 OPS, while left-handed batters had an .801 OPS against him.

McKinney should move up to Bradenton in 2015. If he continues to pitch well, he could be a candidate for a mid-season promotion to AA.